Here's the specs Im looking for:
M.P.: Min. 6 Prefered 10
Optical Zoom: Min 8x Prefered 10x+
Face Detection is a Plus
Image Stabilization is a Plus
Smart Flash Correction is a Plus
I saw a camera that has a setting to take two pictures with one click (one with flash the other without) +++
I want both Auto and Manual Focus Options
I want to have manual options for most everything (shutter, f stop, etc)
Auto Settings are a plus (Night, Landscape, Fireworks, Portrait, etc)
Having the Option to attach different lenses is a huge plus, Im going to be taking lots of outdoor pictures in the mountains and of wildlife So i want to have big time zoom capability.
I also want to be able to attach filters for UV, etc.
Im also going to be using the camera for indoor pictures: family, party, etc.
SLR would ve nice but not required
Movie + Sound = Great
I would like the price to be under $600 for the camera and under $1000 after lenses + filters + tripod + memory + batery etc. What do you guys think about Fujifilm FInepix line - I can get any of these under $600: S8000fd ; S6000fd ; S9100 ; S700 ; S7700
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital... I use several standard answers, but I don't give the same freaking answer for every single question regardless of whether it is helpful or not. I don't know why this bothers me tonight, but it does. The Pentax Optio W30 is 7.1 MP. The optical zoom is only 3X. It does not have full manual exposure control.
You are describing a digital SLR in your spec list, but you will have a hard time getting that kind of optical zoom for your budget. So-called "optical zoom" is not used as a measure of lens power in SLR's anyhow.
Here's a camera for you to consider. It's not exactly what you have specified, but I think it will perform better than you expect for the money.
Look at a Nikon D40 with the 18-135 lens. This is available from B&H Photo (see Yahoo! Shopping) for $719.95. Techincally speaking, 18-135 is 7.5X zoom, but it's the raw number that matters. See http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei... for an idea what this lens covers. Look at the actual numbers and not the "equivalent" numbers. 18-135 would give you the first six pictures and every single focal length in between. On a point and shoot super zoom camera, you will find that they have a range, but it is covered in steps so you end up with maybe 10-12 different focal lengths instead of 117 different focal lengths.
You can use "AUTO" exposure or any of the various scene modes as well as the infamous P,A,S, and M modes for various degrees of exposure control up to full manual control. This "M" is direct, too, and you don't have to play with menus to change your settings the way you do with a P&S camera. This is much faster.
You can use manual or auto focus.
You can choose from about 30 lenses that give 100% functionality on this camera and hundreds that do everything except auto focus. (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/niko... for a list of AF-S lenses or see http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum... for even more...)
Obviously, you can attach filters of all kinds, which is a chore with P&S cameras if it is possible at all.
With the D40, you are not getting your preferred 10 MP, but you are getting a sensor that is huge compared to P&S cameras. Check out this tutorial and read the caption: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei... Bear in mind that ALL of the currently available super zooms have the smaller 1/2.5" sensor. You will have so much more sharpness with a 6 MP SLR sensor than a 10 MP 1/2.5" sensor that it's not even funny.
You are giving up the following from your list:
No movies.
Face detection - many people defeat this after they see how much it slows the camera down. Just focus on the face and recompose. You can find the face faster than the camera can.
The camera does not have image stabilization. I agee that this is a plus, but as you add a lens or two, just buy a Nikon "VR" lens. They do cost a bit more, but they are not insanely expensive. My wife just got a very useful 55-200 "VR" lens for $250.
I don't know what smart flash correction is, but you can vary the output of the on-board D40 flash.
Some P&S cameras might have a larger aperture that makes them seem better suited for low light, but again the tiny sensor defeats any attempts to take really low light shots. An SLR will do much better in low light because of the larger sensor.
To get an idea what "normal" people can do using "AUTO" on the D40, check out Check out Nikon's "Picturetown" promotion, where they handed out 200 D40's in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown...
Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40...
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_revi...
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/cam...
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40...
I'm spending your money this way:
Nikon D40 with Nikon 18-135 lens: $720
Lexar 2GB Platinum II SD memory card: $35
Extra Nikon battery: $40
Hoya 67 mm Introductory Filter Kit - Ultraviolet (UV), Circular Polarizer, Warming Filter (Intensifier) and Nylon Pouch: $75
Bogen / Manfrotto 725B Digi Black Tripod with Ballhead (Quick Release) - Supports 7.7 lb (3.5 kg): $113
TOTAL: $983, which leaves a little excess for shipping.
Enjoy. The sensor is there to receive the light instead of film. The simplistic explanation is "the bigger the better." Report It
just get SONY ... it has 9.6 megapixels! go for a camera maker like canon, nikon, olympus
you say SLR would be nice but not needed? you want to use optical filters and such buy a DSLR.
goto dpreview.com You should get the PENTAX Optio W30. It has TONS of features, VERY good picture quality, its sleek & stylish. And to add to all that, its waterproof! You can see the camera here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/pr...
I have had the PENTAX Optio W10 (a slighty older version) for a few years now and I absolutely LOVE it! |
